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The largest satellite company in the world is Luxembourg’s SES, with a revenue of $14.84 billion.
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As of 2026, the global satellite industry has a market size of $90 billion.
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There are currently 5,000 satellites in orbit around the earth.
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The global satellite market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 10% through 2030.
Since the launch of Sputnik in 1957, satellites have revolutionized our world, enabling essential services like LTE data streaming, weather forecasting, television, international communications, GPS navigation, and much more. In today’s interconnected society, the role of satellites is more critical than ever, facilitating everything from remote work to global communications.
Despite their significance, many people underestimate the sheer number of satellites currently in orbit; it’s not just a handful, but over five thousand.
Understanding which companies operate these vital technologies is essential, as they underpin a myriad of conveniences we rely on daily. Below are the top 15 satellite operators as of 2026, ranked by their revenues:
15 Largest Satellite Companies in the World
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2021 Annual Revenue: $14.84 billion
SES (Société Européenne des Satellites) is a leading satellite operator based in Luxembourg, boasting a fleet of over 70 satellites. Despite its small population of around 600,000, Luxembourg has emerged as a powerhouse in satellite technology.
Founded in 1985, SES serves internet service providers, governments, and various organizations with global data connectivity. By 2019, it reported revenues of approximately €1.990 billion (around $2.29 billion).
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2021 Annual Revenue: $11.22 billion
Intelsat, founded in 1962 following JFK’s U.S. Satellite Communications Act, has been pivotal in global communications. It gained fame for broadcasting the moon landing in 1969.
Privatized in 2001, Intelsat continues to be a major player in the satellite industry, generating $2.061 billion in 2019.
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Eutelsat
2021 Annual Revenue: $3.05 billion
Eutelsat, founded in 1977, operates a range of satellite services across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, the Americas, and Asia. The company has 39 satellites and offers services including broadcasting, mobile services, and data transmission.
In 2019, Eutelsat reported revenues of approximately $1.4 billion.
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Speedcast
2021 Annual Revenue: $1.92 billion
Established in 1999, Speedcast is an Australian satellite provider catering to the Asia-Pacific, Middle East, Europe, and Africa. They also maintain a global maritime network. In 2020, Speedcast generated $722.3 million.
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2021 Annual Revenue: $1.228 billion
Telesat, a Canadian company founded in 1969, was initially established by the government to enhance telecommunications infrastructure. They privatized in 1998 and now provide services for various broadcasting and network needs, operating nearly 30 satellites.
In 2019, Telesat reported revenues of around $900 million.
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Telespazio
2021 Annual Revenue: $758 million
Founded in 1961, Telespazio is an Italian telecommunications firm offering satellite control, Earth observation, and integrated communication services across multiple countries including France, the UK, and Brazil.
In 2018, Telespazio reported revenues of approximately €493 million (~$595 million).
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Globecast
2021 Annual Revenue: $722.3 million
Globecast, spun off from France’s Direction des Transmissions Audiovisuelles, began in 1997 and was incorporated in 2002. They provide media transmission and distribution services across five continents.
Globecast’s revenue is reported at $286 million.
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Singapore Telecommunications
2021 Annual Revenue: $617 million
Known as Singtel, this telecommunications giant was established in 1879 and is the largest mobile network operator in Singapore. Singtel has substantial market presence in the Asia-Pacific region, including full ownership of Australia’s Optus.
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Hispasat
2021 Annual Revenue: $584 million
Founded in 1989, Hispasat operates satellites that cover the Americas, Europe, and North Africa. The company serves over 30 million homes and provides broadband services.
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Arqiva
2021 Annual Revenue: $526.1 million
Founded in 2005, Arqiva is a British telecommunications corporation providing infrastructure and broadcast transmission facilities throughout the UK. They own approximately 1,500 transmission sites and reported a group revenue of £879.9 million ($1.228 billion) in 2020.
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AsiaSat
2021 Annual Revenue: $286 million
AsiaSat, based in Hong Kong and established in 1988, operates seven satellites. The company is partially owned by CITIC Limited, a state-owned corporation of China.
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Thaicom
2021 Annual Revenue: $184 million
Founded in 1991, Thaicom provides telecommunication services across Asia, Oceania, and Africa, operating a fleet of four satellites.
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Measat
2021 Annual Revenue: $174 million
Formerly Binariang Satellite Systems, MEASAT has been active since 1993, providing communication services across Malaysia and direct-to-home television options.
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Telstra
2021 Annual Revenue: $117 million
Founded in 1975, Telstra is a major Australian telecommunications provider that created a National Broadband Network serving most of the population. They utilize two satellites to serve over 7.5 million homes.
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du
2021 Annual Revenue: N/A
Known as Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Co., du was established in 2005 and offers telecommunications and satellite services within the UAE.
Final Thoughts
While satellites may not be at the forefront of our minds, these companies are essential for maintaining a digitally connected world. They support our daily lives, ensuring seamless GPS navigation, global communications, and much more.
Although they may not be household names, the contributions of these satellite and telecommunications companies are invaluable, enabling smoother operation in both personal and business contexts while fostering greater global connectivity.
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
